Secret Behind the Flight Attendant’s Uniform Mocked as ‘Prison Clothes’

① Ukrainian low-cost airline uniforms

What image comes to mind when you think of flight attendants? Flight attendants always wear neat uniforms and greet passengers with their hair up. The safety of passengers on board is the top priority for flight attendants. However, the uncomfortable-looking flight attendant uniform has always been controversial.

The tight blouse, skirt, and high heels worn by flight attendants are inefficient because they have to work long hours on board. Moreover, the appearance requirements for flight attendants set by airlines are known to be very strict. They not only cannot wear makeup as they please, but they also have to follow the airline’s regulations for lipstick colors.

This controversy is not only in Korea but also in foreign airlines. Ukraine’s largest low-cost airline, SkyUp, has attracted attention by revolutionary changes to its flight attendant uniforms.

In 2021, SkyUp changed the uniform for female flight attendants to pants instead of skirts and Nike Air sneakers instead of heels. The Nike Air Max 720 sneakers have high air cushions, providing comfort to flight attendants who work long hours standing. They eliminated the blouse and introduced a loose jacket. The orange color, which represents SkyUp, remains the same. Flight attendants have added a sky blue silk scarf as an accent to the orange uniform.

SkyUp changed the uniform regulations for flight attendants based on a survey targeting flight attendants, which had a significant impact. The airline revealed that female flight attendants complained about tight blouses, skirts, and high heels.

Mariana Goryandlashi, who oversees marketing, said, “Being a flight attendant is not as romantic and glamorous as it seems. We learned that we don’t want female flight attendants to be seen sexually or playfully.” Considering these factors, the uniform for female flight attendants was changed entirely.
SkyUp collaborated with Ukrainian fashion brand GUDU to create the new uniform.

② Changing uniform regulations

The regulation that flight attendants must wear makeup remains the same. However, unlike before, they are free to choose the hairstyle they want. SkyUp stated, “Professional flight attendants have existed for about 100 years. There have been many changes, but women’s lives have changed. It’s time to try something new.” They added, “Our new uniform breaks the conventional framework of the airline industry. Above all, it was designed to allow flight attendants to move comfortably.”

SkyUp flight attendants expressed satisfaction with the changed uniform. One flight attendant said, “Most of my colleagues visit foot specialists. It’s because our toenails and toes are damaged from wearing high heels.” Many flight attendants reported experiencing varicose veins. He said, “It’s not easy to quickly open emergency exits while wearing tight clothes during an emergency landing.” He expressed his grievances about the uniform.

In addition, some overseas airlines are also changing their uniform regulations for flight attendants. Norwegian Airlines allows flight attendants to wear flat shoes instead of high heels and has abolished the mandatory makeup requirement on board.

Japan Airlines has also abolished the high heel requirement, allowing flight attendants to choose pants instead of skirts. Virgin Atlantic in the UK has abolished the mandatory makeup requirement for flight attendants. They have also abolished uniform regulations based on gender, allowing men to wear skirts.

③ Korean airline uniforms are also a hot topic

The uniform of AeroK Airlines, based at Cheongju International Airport, has attracted attention. AeroK Airlines presented a uniform that focuses on the flight attendant’s original mission of ensuring onboard safety, avoiding gender discrimination in uniforms, and sexual objectification of female flight attendants.

They attempted to differentiate themselves with practical uniforms, flexible hair and makeup regulations, and being the first domestic airline to allow tattoos. The difference from the uncomfortable uniforms is apparent at a glance. Flight attendants can now focus solely on their duties thanks to the comfortable attire.

AeroK’s uniform has received positive reviews not only domestically but also internationally. It was featured in the US fashion magazine Vogue and men’s magazine GQ. It has recently received positive evaluations from The Wall Street Journal and NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). The Wall Street Journal introduced AeroK Airlines as “a modern image uniform for all genders.”

AeroK Airlines is being praised as a brand differentiating itself from existing airlines.

By. Han Mia (miumia___12@mememedia.co.kr)